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Alpha Workshop 2023

The 21st annual Alpha Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Workshop for Young Writers (ages 14 – 19) was held IN PERSON from Wednesday, July 19 to Sunday, July 30, 2023.

Alpha Workshop 2024

Alpha 2024 will take place in person.

July 24 – Aug 4, 2024

Applications NOW OPEN as of Jan 8th 2024. Applications CLOSE on 10th March 2024. Successful Applicants will be notified mid April 2024

Support Alpha

Our goal is to put Alpha within reach for as many students as possible, regardless of financial need.  Donations like yours help us fund scholarships and cover increases in workshop expenses without raising the costs. 

What Is Alpha – The Young Writers Workshop?

Alpha is a twelve-day writing workshop for 14 to 19 year olds held in July each year at the University of Pittsburgh’s Greensburg campus**.

There are 20 students, 10 staff, and 4 author guests at the workshop. Past author guests include Tamora Pierce, N. K. Jemisin, Ellen Kushner, and Mark Oshiro. Each guest spends two days at the workshop, giving lectures on writing, eating meals with students, and leading writing exercises. Tuition is $1500*  and covers all meals and lodging on campus.

Scholarships are available for any students with financial need.

All students are expected to write an original science fiction, fantasy, or horror short story during the workshop (2000 words or more). During the workshop they learn how to generate ideas, turn those ideas into a complete draft, critique their own and other’s stories, how to attack revisions, and how to submit their work to professional, paying markets and think about a career in writing.

We also have resources available for students with technological limitations. We are also committed to meeting all accessibility needs. If you have any concerns (for example, if you require an ASL interpreter), please contact us at any time during the application or acceptance process.

Guest Lecturers at the 2024 Alpha Writing Workshop

Vita Ayala (details coming soon)

Vita Ayala (details coming soon)

Mark Oshiro

Mark Oshiro

Kameron Hurley

Kameron Hurley

*application fees & tuition fees 2024.

Due to inflation, and the rising cost of operations, Alpha has made the difficult decision to raise our tuition for the first time in over 10 years. In 2024, tuition for the workshop will be $1,500, and in subsequent years tuition will rise to keep pace with the cost of running the workshop.

Raising tuition for students who can pay will let us offer more generous financial aid to a greater number of students who can’t afford full tuition. If you are a returning alumnus concerned about the tuition raise, remember that Alpha offers scholarships and financial aid, and has never turned away an accepted student who couldn’t afford the workshop.

Starting this year we will also be abolishing our application fee–all applications will be free of charge.

Young writers at the 2023 Alpha Workshop

Alpha Writers Workshop 2022 group photo

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** Alpha Workshop For Young Writers Inc is not affiliated with University of Pittsburgh Greensburg.

Writing Pittsburgh

The Writing Pittsburgh project is an opportunity for Pittsburgh writers to share their stories about the city with a national audience.

We’re planning a series of books and events that will tell the real story of modern Pittsburgh’s rise to national prominence and provide networking and publishing opportunities for local writers and the area’s literary community.

Pittsburgh has been Creative Nonfiction's home for more than 20 years now, and we're publishing a series of three books about the region over the next five years. Along the way, we'll be hosting numerous events to encourage community involvement. Most important, we're looking for writers to pitch stories, participate in workshops, and gain professional publishing experience through a year-long funded fellowship.

More information:  The Books   |   Apply for a Fellowship  |  The Advisory Board

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  • Dietrich School
  • Department of English

The Writing Center

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creative writing workshops pittsburgh

  • Undergraduate

creative writing workshops pittsburgh

Pitt's Writing Program offers classes in a broad range of creative writing classes every term.

You might also check out the Composition program's certificate or major in Public and Professional Writing . PPW is a great option for people who are looking for ways to write on the job, whether they are looking for jobs in the nonprofit sector, the for-profit world, or government. Many students who have been interested in publishing or editing have found the PPW program a good fit. Competitive internships are available.

Associated Writing Programs (AWP) offers contacts for writing programs and for writers' conferences and centers .

The Electronic Poetry Center  offers resources that focus on "digital and contemporary formally innovative poetries, new media writing, and literary programming."

Pitt offers non-credit informal writing classes for adult learners age 50 and higher through the College of General Studies .

Non-credit writing workshop s are offered seasonally for a modest cost at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts School.

A free monthly poetry workshop is run by Pittsburgh Poetry Exchange at City Books, 1111 Carson Street, South Side at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of each month.

NYU has long been recognized as a vibrant center for writing and literature and was named one of the top ten creative writing programs in the country by the Atlantic Monthly . The program offers writing intensives especially for undergraduate writers. Undergraduate writers can learn more about their summer offerings by visiting the website: http://cwp.as.nyu.edu/page/summer . If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact [email protected] or 212-998-7584.

The Workshop  is a blog that covers what it's like to pursue an MFA in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. The articles are written by current and past MFA students with their advice and experiences for people interested in pursuing an MFA.

Learn how to become a professional blogger in ten months, using Chris Guillebeau's 279 Days to Overnight Success .

Creative Writing

Creative writing workshop (ages 11-13).

Future novelists, poets, and memoirists will get a taste of each form in this writing class. Through exercises, readings, and workshops of each other’s writing, students will take their own writing to the next level. Routes to publication will be explored to ensure students are ready to share their stories with the world.

creative writing workshops pittsburgh

When this is offered

  • almost authors
  • editing & writing

Previous

Julie Albright is the owner and director of The Writing Studio. She began the Almost Authors writing camps in the summer of 1993 and expanded into The Writing Studio in 1999. Julie graduated from Carnegie Mellon with degrees in Creative Writing and French, and then obtained an MFA in Fiction in 1996 from the University of Pittsburgh, where she also taught Introduction to Fiction Writing and General Writing. She served as the assistant director of the Western Pennsylvania Writing Project as well as the Young Writers Institute, and has taught writing workshops at Kentucky Avenue School, Sacred Heart Elementary, Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, CMU’s Arts Greenhouse and many other local venues. Julie's short stories and essays have appeared in Third Coast , The Good Men Project and Ducts , among other publications. She received a Pennsylvania Council on the Arts grant for her fiction and was a finalist in the AWP Prize for the Novel competition. Teachers & Writers Magazine selected her essay Some Victorious Answer to Everything as the 2022 Bechtel Prize runner-up. The prize is awarded to an essay that describes "a creative writing teaching experience, project or activity that demonstrates innovation in creative writing instruction."

Jodie free is a graduate of the mfa program for writers at warren wilson college. she also holds an ma in southern studies from the university of mississippi and a ba in american & english literature from the university of east anglia, which included a year abroad at the university of north carolina at chapel hill. jodie is the founder of an after school and summer program through the hub city writers project in spartanburg, sc. she grew up outside of london, uk and moved to pittsburgh in 2016., bailey creamer earned her bfa in creative writing from chatham university in pittsburgh with a minor in film and digital technology. during school, she developed an interest in tutoring as she assisted english as a second language students with their writing assignments. bailey is also a freelance screenwriter and script supervisor currently working with black moose productions. she’s collaborating with that team to write her first series, which will go into production in 2021., meghan francisco holds a ba in english literature and french from elmira college and an mfa in creative writing from mills college. before moving to pittsburgh, meghan was a private tutor in the san francisco bay area. she has 13 years of experience working with students in reading, writing, and elementary math. meghan enjoys writing both fiction and nonfiction for children. she is an active member of the society of children's book writers and illustrators ..

Contact Information

Testimonials

  • No one liked the fruit roll ups so I always got to eat them.
  • Kept me off the streets. Just kidding.
  • Writing has yet to get me in trouble for being mouthy on paper.
  • Comfy atmosphere.
  • My mom's happy because I spent my summer productively.
  • I'm happy because it didn't really feel like it.
  • Gave me an audience for my stories.
  • The writing exercises were useful. And they sure beat English class.
  • Writing let me create a way better reality. And by better, I mean more exciting.
  • Ten is a really big number.

Littsburgh: Celebrating Literary Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh has a rich heritage of literary institutions…

There must be something in our three rivers that inspires people to organize around their shared love of literature of all kinds. Pittsburgh is home to many organizations, large and small, including literary publications, local publishers, and unique reading series which foster creativity and make up our vibrant literary scene. We encourage you to click through the below organizations, which are each doing their part to make Pittsburgh “Littsburgh”!

If you would like to suggest an organization or group for inclusion on this page, please email us with a logo, a brief description of the organization, and any relevant website and social links.

Email Us  

Note: Pittsburgh’s literary scene is constantly evolving, so some of our literary organizations have longer life-spans than others. If you see an organization listed below that’s no longer active, please let us know !

Updated January 2023

9th Story Studios http://www.9thstory.com/ Facebook & Twitter

“Giving stories a voice.”

Acquired Taste http://acquiredtastepgh.com/ Facebook & Twitter

“Acquired Taste is a Pittsburgh-based food-themed reading series, and will soon become a print anthol “

Air & Nothingness Press http://www.aanpress.com Facebook & Twitter

“Publisher of F/SF anthologies and story collections – 25th Year, 1997-2022”

Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA) https://aclalibraries.org/ Facebook & Twitter

“The Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA) is a system of 46 independent public libraries with more than 70 locations that collaborate and share resources to better serve County residents.”

Always Crashing https://www.alwayscrashing.com/ Facebook & Twitter

“ Always Crashing is a magazine of fiction, poetry, and nameless things around and in-between. We publish one print issue per year and feature online content year-round. We are headquartered in Chicago and Pittsburgh.”

After Happy Hour Review http://afterhappyhourreview.com/ Facebook

“The After Happy Hour Review is a Pittsburgh-based online literary journal.”

The Arcanist https://thearcanist.io/ Twitter & Patreon

“The Arcanist is a speculative flash fiction magazine where weird, but literary, stories call home.”

Autumn House Press http://www.autumnhouse.org/ Facebook & Twitter

“Autumn House Press is a nonprofit publisher of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Located in Pittsburgh.”

Black Unicorn: Library and Archives Project https://www.theblackunicornlibrary.org Facebook  & Twitter

“Black feminist library & archive; an intervention; a collection reflecting the rich unfolding legacy of Black queer and trans people across the Diaspora.”

Braddock Avenue Books http://www.braddockavenuebooks.com/ Facebook & Twitter

“Braddock Avenue Books is an independent literary press dedicated to publishing both new and established writers whose work engages honestly and meaningfully with contemporary circumstances. We especially support writers who use literary fiction and the long-form essay for serious explorations of what it means to be alive today.”

Bridge and Tunnel Books https://bridgeandtunnelbooks.com/ Facebook & Instagram

“Bridge & Tunnel Books is an independent literary press in Pittsburgh, PA. Our mission is to celebrate local writers, poets, and artists by connecting readers to new and experimental work from the Pittsburgh region.”

The Bridge Series Littsburgh Spotlight Facebook

“The Bridge Series is a new series uniting the Pittsburgh literary and activist communities to raise awareness and funds for local organizations fighting the good fight in these troubling times.”

Britsburgh Literary Society http://www.bacpgh.com/ Facebook & Twitter

“Our Mission: Building bridges across communities by driving growth in British- American culture, history, education, tradition and trade in Pittsburgh.”

Carlow University MFA Alumni Association https://carlowmfaalumni.wordpress.com Facebook & Twitter

“Carlow University’s MFA in Creative Writing Alumni”

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh http://www.carnegielibrary.org/ Facebook & Twitter

“Engaging the community in literacy and learning.”

City of Asylum http://cityofasylum.org/ Facebook & Twitter

“City of Asylum builds a just community by protecting and celebrating freedom of creative expression.”

CMU (Carnegie Mellon University) Press http://www.cmu.edu/universitypress/ Facebook & Twitter

“Carnegie Mellon University Press continues to publish exemplary works of poetry and short fiction, as well as other genres.”

Coal Hill Review http://www.coalhillreview.com/ Facebook & Twitter

“Online lit journal publishing poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. (Imprint of Autumn House Press)”

Creative Nonfiction http://www.creativenonfiction.org/ Facebook & Twitter

“True stories, well told. Nonprofit foundation & quarterly literary magazine edited by Lee Gutkind.”

The Cyperpunk Apocalypse http://thecyberpunkapocalypse.tumblr.com/

“The Cyberpunk Apocalypse is a cooperatively run not-for-profit organization dedicated to aiding and abetting writers and comic artists in Pittsburgh, PA and by extension the world.”

Dawn Valley Press https://dawnvalleypress.com/ Facebook

“We are a small press based in Beaver, Pa., dedicated to helping talented writers share their gift and tell their stories (relaunched in 2015).”

Eulalia Books https://eulaliabooks.com/ Facebook & Twitter & Instagram

“Publisher of literary translations with a particular interest in contemporary poetry and hybrid-genre works. Housed at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.”

Forbes and Fifth https://www.forbes5.pitt.edu Facebook & Twitter & Instagram

“An undergraduate interdisciplinary journal of research, creative writing, and scholarly articles at @Pitt_OUR .”

Forever Young Adult http://foreveryoungadult.com/fya-book-club-locations/ Facebook & Twitter

“The book club for fans of young adult who are a little less y and a little more a.”

The Fourth River http://www.thefourthriver.com/ Facebook & Twitter

“A journal of nature & environmental writing, published by Chatham University’s MFA in Creative Writing Programs.”

Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books https://www.pittsburghbookfestival.org Facebook & Twitter & Instagram

“The Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books showcases Pittsburgh’s historic role on the national and international literary stage. The Festival provides an opportunity for readers, writers, publishers, educators, neighbors, and more to connect in an educational environment.”

grlhood: a community writing project http://grlhoodpgh.tumblr.com/about Facebook

“grlhood aims to give girls ages 12 through 18, including non-cis and trans youth, the platform to define themselves first, outside mainstream perceptions of adolescent femininity found in popular media, celebrity, and academic study.”

Hemingway’s Summer Poetry Series http://www.hemingwayspoetryseries.blogspot.com/ https://whitewhalebookstore.com/events Facebook

“Hemingway’s Summer Poetry Series – Every other Tuesday night May – early August @ White Whale Bookstore. 4754 Liberty Avenue. Readings in-person and live-streaming.”

Hot Metal Bridge Facebook & Twitter

“Literary magazine published by MFA students at the University of Pittsburgh // Home of the [in brackets]podcast.”

Hyacinth Girl Press http://hyacinthgirlpress.com/ Facebook

“Feminist DIY arts-anarchy in chapbook form.”

Imagin8 Press https://www.imagin8press.com/

“We are dedicated to promoting a peaceful world by bridging the divide between different cultures. Our sole focus is on publishing high quality, enjoyable books for English speaking people who want to read and understand Chinese.” (Based in Verona, PA)

[in brackets] podcast https://soundcloud.com/inbracketspodcast Spotify & Twitter

“Literary podcast of Hot Metal Bridge, “a magazine published by MFA students at the University of Pittsburgh.”

Jane Austen Society of North America – Pittsburgh Region Facebook

“The Pittsburgh region meets 4-6 times a year in various venues around the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. Some of these meetings include informal teas with group discussion. Some include a viewing and discussion of a movie adaptation of a Jane Austen novel. Others are more formal luncheons. These luncheons feature speakers who discuss Jane Austen, her life, books, and movies, as well as Regency England.”

Duquesne’s :Lexicon Journal https://lexiconjournal.org/ Facebook & Twitter

“Duquesne University’s literary journal.”

Lilliput Review http://lilliputreview.blogspot.com/ Facebook

“Lilliput Review is a print magazine founded in 1989 and dedicated to the short poem. The magazine’s normal format, 4.25 x 3.5″, reflects its name and that focus. It is published irregularly, two issues at a time, with every 4th issue or so being a broadside featuring the work of a single poet.”

Literacy Pittsburgh http://www.gplc.org/ Facebook & Twitter

“Literacy Pittsburgh offers free educational programs for adults and families in Allegheny County and Beaver County.”

LitLovers http://www.litlovers.com/ Facebook & Twitter

“LitLovers.com was created by Molly Lundquist, a former college English instructor, who loves to read and can’t stop talking and blogging about literature.”

Littsburgh https://www.littsburgh.com Facebook & Twitter  & Instagram & Substack

“Celebrating Literary Pittsburgh Since 2015!”

Long Shot Books https://www.longshotbooks.com/ Facebook & Twitter  & YouTube

“Long Shot Books is a limited liability company founded on 04/13/2018 by Maureen Crowley and Todd Crawford […] They decided to start a publishing company because they thought it would be nice to be on the other end of rejection for once.”

Low Ghost Press http://lowghostpress.blogspot.com/ Facebook

“Low Ghost Press is a Pittsburgh, PA publishing enterprise founded in 2008 by Kristofer Collins.”

The Madwomen in the Attic https://www.carlow.edu/about/madwomen-in-the-attic/ Facebook  & Twitter

“The Madwomen in the Attic workshops help writers nurture their work with groups of like-minded, serious writers through small, supportive, powerful workshops.” (Est. 1979!).”

Mt. Lebanon Library’s Speaker Series https://mtlebanonlibrary.org/673/Our-Story Facebook & Twitter & Instagram

“The Mt. Lebanon Public Library Speaker Series has attracted over 4,500 attendees with a line-up of bestselling authors such as Alexander McCall Smith, Joyce Carol Oates, Lisa See, Erik Larson, and Amor Towles.”

Nasty Slam http://www.nastyslam.com/ Facebook & Twitter

“Nasty Slam is a head-to-head poetry slam in Pittsburgh, judged by audience applause.”

Northern Appalachia Review https://www.northernappreview.com Facebook & Instagram

“The Northern Appalachia Review seeks to convey the character of the people and places of northern Appalachia by publishing literature that best represents the region as both distinct from and part of greater Appalachia.”

Novel Breads Co. https://novelbreads.com/ Facebook & Twitter & Instagram

“Novel Breads Co. is a new concept company. It’s part artisan bread micro-bakery, part bread store, part independent bookstore and part gourmet food store.”

One Idea Press http://www.oneideapress.com/ Facebook

“One Idea Press is a women-owned independent press. We are committed to working with a diverse range of authors whose stories and ideas may often get overlooked by traditional publishers.” (Leechburg, PA)

The Other Folk https://www.theotherfolk.blog Twitter

“Essays on horror in film, art, music, & literature. Horror flash fiction, essays, & prose poems.”

Parsec http://parsec-sff.org/ Facebook & Twitter

“Parsec is a 501c3 non-profit organization promoting science fiction, fantasy and horror in literature, media and music for over 30 years.”

Pennwriters http://pennwriters.org/ Facebook & Twitter

“The premier writing organization of Pennsylvania & surrounding areas. Our mission is to help writers of all levels, to succeed in their craft.”

Picking Books https://pickingbooks.com Instagram

“Located on the corner of cultured and quirky, Picking Books is where we match readers to the right book for them.”

Pitt Poetry Series http://www.upress.pitt.edu/ Facebook & Twitter

“Since its inception in 1967, the Pitt Poetry Series has been a vehicle for America’s finest contemporary poets.”

Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures http://pittsburghlectures.org/ Facebook & Twitter

“Connecting celebrated authors with the community, elevating civic discourse, inspiring creativity and a passion for the literary arts.”

Pittsburgh City Paper http://www.pghcitypaper.com/ Facebook & Twitter

“Pittsburgh’s free alternative news and arts publication since 1991.”

Pittsburgh Contemporary Writers Series https://www.pghwriterseries.pitt.edu Facebook & Twitter

“The Pittsburgh Contemporary Writers Series sponsors events through the University of Pittsburgh. All events are free and open to the public.”

Pittsburgh Magazine http://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/ Facebook & Twitter

“Always telling the stories of Pittsburgh.”

Pittsburgh New Works Festival http://www.pittsburghnewworks.org/ Facebook & Twitter

“Pittsburgh’s international new play fest bringing playwrights & companies together to stage world premiere work.”

Pittsburgh Poetry Collective http://www.pghpoetry.org/ Facebook & Twitter

“We make and hold space for self-expression, identity exploration, and social justice.”

Pittsburgh Poetry Exchange http://www.eventkeeper.com/mars/xpages/B/BRENTWOOD/ek.cfm

“Pittsburgh Poetry  Exchange, a friendly critique group open to all, meets the first Monday of each month at 7 pm in the community room at the Brentwood Public Library. A $2 contribution is asked for the library. Anyone who wishes  to share a poem and hear comments from peers should bring 12-15 copies of their poem.”

Pittsburgh Poetry Houses http://pittsburghpoetryhouses.com/ Facebook & Twitter

“Public art project in Pittsburgh distributing free tiny poems through small colorful houses.”

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette http://www.post-gazette.com Facebook & Twitter

“Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania’s leading source for news and analysis.”

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://triblive.com/ Facebook & Twitter

“Covers Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania news, sports, politics, entertainment and more.”

Pittsburgh Zine Fair http://pghzinefair.com/ Facebook & Twitter

“The PZF has attracted a diverse group of artists, writers and activists from across the region whose content varies but the format remains the same: the zine.”

Plays Inverse http://www.playsinverse.com/ Facebook & Twitter & Distro

“Independent publisher of plays and play-like literature.”

The Poet’s Press http://www.poetspress.org/

“Publishing Fine Poetry Since 1971.”

Prosody (Archives) http://www.prosodyradio.com/

“Prosody, which aired every Saturday morning on listener-supported WESA 90.5 FM, was Western Pennsylvania’s only regularly scheduled radio program featuring contemporary poets and writers.”

We’re keeping Prosody on this list because you can still stream their archives here .

Reading is FUNdamental – Pittsburgh http://rifpittsburgh.org/ Facebook & Twitter

“Our Mission: provide children with the resources, motivation and opportunities to develop a life-long love of reading.”

Red Flag Press http://www.redflagpoetry.com/ Facebook & Twitter & Tumblr

“Red Flag Poetry will make you love your mailbox again by mailing you awesome poetry postcards monthly” (Indiana, PA)

Sampsonia Way https://cityofasylum.org/sampsonia-way/ Facebook & Twitter

“Sampsonia Way magazine celebrates literary freedom of expression & supports persecuted writers & journalists worldwide. Sponsored by City of Asylum.”

Sisters in Crime – Pittsburgh http://www.pghsinc.com/ Facebook & Twitter

“Sisters in Crime is an international organization of writers, readers, booksellers, librarians, agents, editors, reviewers, and teachers interested in promoting the work of women mystery writers.”

Six Gallery Press https://6gpress.wordpress.com/ Facebook & Twitter

“Six Gallery Press has been publishing books since 2000. We are doing our best to do better.”

Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators – Western PA http://wpa.scbwi.org/ Instagram & Twitter

“The world’s largest org dedicated to helping writers and illustrators of books from infancy to teens – in Pennsylvania: West!”

Speakeasy (Pitt Reading Series) Facebook & Twitter

“Speakeasy is the reading series of the University of Pittsburgh’s Creative Writing MFA program.”

Steer Queer https://steerqueeryall.com/about Facebook

“Steer Queer aims to promote collaboration, networking, education, support and understanding related to social justice within the queer community. ”

St. Lynn’s Press http://stlynnspress.com/ Facebook & Twitter

“We publish books on organic gardening, sustainable living, ‘local’ and ‘slow’ lifestyles and self-reliance.”

Stranded Oak Press https://www.strandedoakpress.com Facebook & Twitter

“Indie chapbook press for PGH poets.”

United Black Book Clubs of Pittsburgh http://unitedblackbookclubspgh.tumblr.com/ Facebook

“UBBCP is an association of librarians, readers, and book clubs in Pittsburgh, PA. Through an united effort, UBBCP was formed to promote literary activities and events, to provide community outreach programs and to spread the love of reading throughout the community. Although UBBCP officially formed in 2004, various books have collaborated to bring authors and spread literacy to Pittsburgh since 1991. Membership is open to any reader or book club in the greater Pittsburgh region. UBBCP’s motto is to encourage everyone to ‘ride the wind of reading.'”

University of Pittsburgh Press http://www.upress.pitt.edu/ Facebook & Twitter

“The University of Pittsburgh Press publishes scholarly books in humanities, social sciences, short fiction, & Pittsburgh.”

Uppagus Magazine https://uppagus.com/ Facebook & Twitter

“Publishes poetry and flash fiction. Not imaginary.”

Why There Are Words http://www.whytherearewords.com/ Facebook

“Pittsburgh branch of the national literary reading series, Why There Are Words.”

Wine & Words Pittsburgh Facebook & Twitter

“Promoting & celebrating good libations & artistic creations in cool places.”

Write Pittsburgh http://writepittsburgh.com/ Facebook ,  Twitter  &  Instagram

“Creative writing workshops for teens and adults throughout Pittsburgh. Member of Dave Eggers’ International Alliance of Youth Writing Centers.”

Write or Die (WorD) http://word-pgh.weebly.com/ Facebook

“Write or Die (WorD) is a Pittsburgh, PA science fiction, fantasy & horror writing and critique group. Established in 1996, it has been steadily growing since then. Meetings are free to attend and open to the public.”

Writers Association of Northern Appalachia (WANA) https://writersassociationofnorthernappalachia.org

“Founded in 2019 WANA hosts WANA LIVE!: The Reading Series of the Writers Association of Northern Appalachia, publishes the literary journal Appalachian Lit, and hosts conferences and retreats. ”

Writers Conference of Northern Appalachia (WCoNA) https://conference.wcona.com Twitter  & Facebook

“The Writers Conference of Northern Appalachia Inc. (WCoNA) brings together writers and others interested in the region’s literature.”

The Writing Program (Pitt) http://www.writing.pitt.edu/ Facebook & Twitter

“Fiction, poetry, nonfiction, award-winning writers, distinguished faculty.”

The Writing Studio http://www.writingstudiopgh.com/ Facebook

“The Writing Studio offers tutoring services, editing services, and creative writing workshops. We assist those who wish to improve their skills as well as those who excel in writing. We work on projects large and small, with writers of all ages.”

Founded by three publishing professionals in 2015, Littsburgh showcases Pittsburgh as a hub of literary talent and activity while serving as a resource to foster further collaboration and connection within Pittsburgh’s vibrant literary community.

Littsburgh is a passion project and has been since inception.

Because we’re self-powered, we’ve been able to continue promoting literary Pittsburgh without having to compromise our vision or our mission — and without having to close up shop because of lack of funding. Our goal is for Littsburgh to be here for the long haul… and we’re only getting bigger and better every year!

As our audience has grown, however, so have our operating costs: hosting is increasingly expensive, spreading the word about literary Pittsburgh to our readers via social media channels requires paid “boosts,” and we’re investing literally hundreds of volunteer hours into the site every year.

With a small donation, one time or (even better!) recurring, you can help ensure that Littsburgh continues to grow and thrive.

Help us spread the word about literary Pittsburgh!

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Creative Writing Minor

Creating Writing Minor - hands writing

As one of the oldest writing programs in the United States, the Writing Program at the University of Pittsburgh has an excellent record of not only producing talented creative writers but also developing the writing skills of undergraduates who go on to work in a variety of professions, including journalism, law, and publishing. 

The Minor in Creative Writing was created in response to numerous students expressing their interest in writing but their main major required too much of a commitment for them to take on a second major. The Minor fulfills a need that is different from the certificate in Public and Professional Writing, with its particular focus on writing in commercial, nonprofit, government, and legal environments, and the Writing Major, which requires a more substantial commitment of time and study. 

According to many different sources (CEOs, personnel, and graduate school committees), the students who write well – no matter what their major might be – are the students who get noticed by employers. The kind of self-examination that the practice of writing encourages, as well as the ability to organize information into narrative, expressive and communicative forms, will always make candidates stand out.  Furthermore, the Writing Program hopes to also attract students who might want to work at the intersections of, say, Neuroscience and the Humanities, or students who want to think about and articulate the kind of complex relationships a more connected world creates. 

The Creative Writing Minor (18 credits)  

A student must complete 18 credits of English writing courses, with a 3-course concentration in one of the tracks. (A student can declare both a major and a minor in different tracks, provided that they do not overlap courses. Completion of both programs requires 51 credits.) 

View the creative writing minor requirements here.

IMAGES

  1. Creative Writing Workshop

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  2. Pittsburgh Creative Writing Camp for Kids

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  3. Writing What You Know: Where Creative Non-Fiction Meets Fiction

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  4. Teen Writing Workshop

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  5. Creative Writing Workshop on AllEvents.in

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  6. Pop-Up Creative Writing Workshops!

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COMMENTS

  1. The 2024 Pittsburgh Writing Workshop

    After successful 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, and 2023 events in Pittsburgh, Writing Day Workshops is excited to announce The 2024 Pittsburgh Writing Workshop — a two-day online "How to Get Published" writing event May 31 - June 1, 2024. (Writers are welcome to attend virtually from everywhere and anywhere.)

  2. Creative writing workshops events in Pittsburgh, PA

    Report Writing 1 Day Training in Pittsburgh, PA. Mon, Feb 26 • 9:00 AM + 10 more. For venue details reach us at: [email protected].

  3. The Writing Studio

    We work on projects large and small, with writers of all ages. Located in Pittsburgh, PA the Writing Studio offers tutoring services, editing services, and creative writing workshops.

  4. Pittsburgh Center for Arts & Media

    PCA&M is a contemporary visual and media arts non-profit organization. About Us Preview our Spring Classes starting on February 9th! Classes begin enrolling February 16th! Courses 2024 Winter Classes and Workshops Student Photography Access Media Arts Pastel Wickerwork Basketweaving Workshop Fiber Art

  5. Creative Writing

    Watch on Courses & Topics You will receive a well-rounded education through our core curriculum and classes in the creative writing major. Some of the courses in our Bachelor of Arts program include: The Art of the Short Story Grant Writing Creative Nonfiction Workshop Haunted America Feminist Fairytales LGBTQ Literature and Culture

  6. About Us

    Write Pittsburgh is more than a writing group, workshop, or studio time. We're dedicated to celebrating and empowering emerging writers in the Pittsburgh region and now, through virtual workshops, across the country. Learn how you can support our mission. Get Involved

  7. Home

    What Is Alpha - The Young Writers Workshop?. Alpha is a twelve-day writing workshop for 14 to 19 year olds held in July each year at the University of Pittsburgh's Greensburg campus**.. There are 20 students, 10 staff, and 4 author guests at the workshop. Past author guests include Tamora Pierce, N. K. Jemisin, Ellen Kushner, and Mark Oshiro.

  8. Adult Programs

    A Horror Writing Workshop. All Writers are Thieves: Speculative Fiction & Poetry. Writing from Memory. The Lemonade Album. Epistolary Fiction ... Write Pittsburgh. P.O. Box 90168 Pittsburgh, PA 15224 [email protected]. 412-353-9748. Write Pittsburgh is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Write Pittsburgh is a proud member of Dave Eggers ...

  9. Write Pittsburgh

    Write Pittsburgh's teen programs offer young writers ages 13-18 a supportive workshop space in which to develop their voices through writing. LEARN MORE Whether you've been writing all your life or just starting to explore your literary side, our adult workshops have something to offer you. LEARN MORE

  10. Writing Pittsburgh

    The Writing Pittsburgh project is an opportunity for Pittsburgh writers to share their stories about the city with a national audience.

  11. Home

    The Writing Program at the University of Pittsburgh is a large and diverse community of poets, novelists, short story writers, essayists, and journalists interested in traditional forms and emerging media.

  12. Learning

    A free monthly poetry workshop is run by Pittsburgh Poetry Exchange at City Books, 1111 Carson Street, South Side at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of each month. NYU has long been recognized as a vibrant center for writing and literature and was named one of the top ten creative writing programs in the country by the Atlantic Monthly.

  13. Creative Writing Workshop

    Camps Creative Writing Workshop Future novelists, poets, and memoirists will get a taste of each form in this writing camp. Through exercises, readings, and workshops of each other's writing, students will take their own writing to the next level.

  14. Creative Writing Workshop (Ages 11-13)

    Creative Writing Creative Writing Workshop (Ages 11-13) Future novelists, poets, and memoirists will get a taste of each form in this writing class. Through exercises, readings, and workshops of each other's writing, students will take their own writing to the next level. ... Pittsburgh, PA. | By phone: 412-361-0455 ...

  15. Teen Programs

    Write Pittsburgh's teen programs offer writers ages 13-18 a supportive workshop space in which to develop their voices through writing. Together, we explore all kinds of writing, from poetry to songwriting, fiction to journalism, playwriting to screenwriting, and more.

  16. The Writing Studio

    Located in Pittsburgh, PA the Writing Studio offers tutoring services, editing services, and creative writing workshops.

  17. Writing

    Beginning Writer's Workshop $149.00 (4 sections available) Like a true writing workshop, you will learn literary techniques, peer review a classmate's work, and receive constructive criticism on your work. In addition, you will learn how to move your work from the prewriting stage to editing and final revision.

  18. Pittsburgh, PA Creative Writing Workshops Events

    Creative writing workshops events in Pittsburgh, PA Report Writing 1 Day Training in Pittsburgh, PA Fri, Sep 29 • 9:00 AM + 3 more For venue details reach us at: [email protected] Writing a CV 1 Day Training in Pittsburgh, PA Fri, Sep 29 • 9:00 AM + 3 more For venue details reach us at [email protected]

  19. The Writing Studio

    Julie Albright is the owner and director of The Writing Studio. She began the Almost Authors writing camps in the summer of 1993 and expanded into The Writing Studio in 1999. Julie graduated from Carnegie Mellon with degrees in Creative Writing and French, and then obtained an MFA in Fiction in 1996 from the University of Pittsburgh, where she ...

  20. Lit. Orgs

    Littsburgh™ is the online destination for the writers, publishing professionals, organizers, institutions, and readers who make Pittsburgh one of the world's most literary cities.. Founded by three publishing professionals in 2015, Littsburgh showcases Pittsburgh as a hub of literary talent and activity while serving as a resource to foster further collaboration and connection within ...

  21. MFA Students

    Before coming to Pitt, she co-taught and mentored in English classes and multi-genre writing workshops for K-12 students in the Inland Empire, CA and southern Spain. ... He is a Dietrich fellow at the University of Pittsburgh's Nonfiction Writing MFA, a Heinz fellow at Pitt's Global Studies Center, a 2021 Logan Nonfiction fellow, a 2023 Tin ...

  22. Creative Writing Minor

    The Creative Writing Minor (18 credits) A student must complete 18 credits of English writing courses, with a 3-course concentration in one of the tracks. (A student can declare both a major and a minor in different tracks, provided that they do not overlap courses. Completion of both programs requires 51 credits.)