What are the courses like?
All courses in the program use both Canvas and Zoom. Instructors post weekly lessons on Canvas, with threaded discussions for students to answer throughout the week, as well as exercises related to the craft point being discussed. Each class also has a weekly Zoom session, which may be used for reading discussion, Q&A about the writing process, and/or workshop. All sessions are recorded. Students who cannot attend should plan to watch the recordings.
Instructors approach workshops in different ways. In some courses, the workshop happens asynchronously on Canvas through detailed written comments from both the instructor and students. In this courses, the weekly Zoom meetings focus on craft discussion and published readings. In other courses, part of the weekly Zoom meeting is devoted to live discussion of student submissions, to supplement the written comments posted on Canvas.
Depending on instructor preference, students may be workshopping one long submission per quarter, two or three shorter ones, or weekly submissions. The total number of words you submit for feedback will add up to 6000-7500 words per quarter.
Students are encouraged to read each syllabus carefully and choose the section that best fits their schedule and preferred workshop format.
How do the Novel and Memoir Writing Certificates compare with getting an MFA?
Our programs are designed for working adults dedicated to finishing a book-length manuscript (novel or memoir) in two years. Unlike MFA programs, which often involve heavy coursework in literature and theory, we require only one course per quarter, focused mainly on writing, although instructors often augment learning with literature and craft books. Our certificate does not qualify individuals to teach at the university level as an MFA might.How flexible is the schedule? Are there set times when I have to be online?
Much of our instruction is asynchronous on Canvas, which means that students can submit their writing assignments and participate in written discussions when they have time during the week. Each course includes a weekly Zoom session between one and two hours long, typically held at lunchtime or in the evening (PT), and it is always recorded. Students can view all syllabi before registration in order to choose a class section with a Zoom session that meets their needs/schedule.Who is the right applicant for the Writing Certificates?
Ideal applicants are passionate about writing, familiar with the fundamentals of good prose, and eager to refine their craft in a dedicated cohort. Successful candidates typically have prior workshop experience, demonstrating an ability to thrive in structured learning environments.The Novel Writing Certificate welcomes writers across genres, including contemporary literary fiction, mysteries and thrillers, sci-fi, historical fiction, YA, and novels-in-stories. We seek applicants committed to crafting beautiful sentences and compelling narratives. Please note, we do not consider writers focusing on middle-grade fiction (ages 8-12) or below.
The Memoir Writing Certificate is tailored for writers ready to delve into their personal narratives. We welcome narrative and lyric memoirists, personal essayists aiming for book-length collections, and "hybrid" memoirists blending personal narrative with thematic research.