You are somewhere between the ages of 13 and 18, and writing intrigues you

You’ve probably been writing since you were a kid. So in very important ways, you are already a “real writer.” Yes, you have everything you need to succeed as a writer; if your writing makes you happy, for instance, that’s writing for real.

That said, even professional writers are constantly working on writing for real. They think about how to make their writing routines more effective, how to improve their skills, boost their creativity, connect with other writers for feedback and encouragement, and get published so they can share their work with the world.

This summer workshop for students will treat you like a professional writer

Each week, you’ll work on both your writing and your writer-self.

You’ll write poetry, fiction, or non-fiction—you’ll decide (that’s something real writers do too)—using prompts to get you started.

And each week you’ll be encouraged to think about important aspects of writing… like process and routine, how to get your best ideas, tricks of the trade (like making details—not adjectives—work hard for you), how to tap your true voice, and unexpected revision strategies.

If you have questions about professional aspects of writing for real

…we will make sure you get answers from a community of writers who are actually writing for a living (just ask your workshop leader; questions will be forwarded to our professional connections—award-winning authors and poets; magazine editors, columnists, and journalists).

If you write something publishable

…and are referred by your workshop leader (if this interests you), we will consider publishing your writing on an appropriate platform. Writers from our community have shown up everywhere from our Facebook pages—audience of 30, 000+—to our website and even our books. But it’s got to be good. We figure you know that, though, which is why you are committed to working on writing for real. (Click here for a sample of student work we’ve published in Every Day Poems). Or check out this student fiction piece we published here at Tweetspeak.

June 17 – August 19 (Breaks for the week of July 22) • Class limited to 10 participants

Basic Structure of Your Workshop

You will meet in a secure online group setting, where you will have the opportunity to share your work with other students for feedback.

Your workshop leader will give helpful feedback and encouragement on your writing, as well as providing you with weekly prompts, writing guidance, and other resources to get you doing Creative Writing for Real.

Each week you can decide on a “burning question” you have about the writing life; one of our professional writers will answer your question here at Tweetspeak Poetry, where you’ll have the opportunity to interact with the writer and network with our thriving, generous, committed writing community.

Your Workshop Leader

Brad Grout has 10 years of teaching experience and currently serves as an English teacher in a school near Des Moines, IA. Writing is his passion, and he loves helping students find their writing voice. Brad belongs to both the Iowa & National Council of Teachers of English and is involved with the Iowa Writing Project.

BUY NOW • $350 for 8 weeks