Hi! I’m applying to creative writing summer programs for the first time this year, but I can’t tell which ones are actually legit or if the internet is just recommending the same ones to me. Does anyone have any info or experience with these on the list? Does online vs. IRL make a difference? Are the small ones good or still worth it?
Adroit Journal Summer Mentorship
Iowa Young Writers’ Studio
Kenyon Young Writers’ Workshop
Kelly Writer’s House
Juniper Young Writers Institute
Ellipses Workshops
SUNHOUSE Summer Writing Mentorship
The only workshop I’m not familiar with are the SunHouse Summer Writing Mentorship and the Ellipses Workshops. The other ones you listed (Iowa, Kenyon, Adroit) are very prestigious and the others (Kelly Writer’s, Juniper) are also very good. As far as online versus IRL, it’s up to you - what format is best for you? I think any experience - small workshops, big workshops - is good for your growth as a writer. I don’t have any experience, I’m just a mom whose son is also a writer! Good luck!
Hey! I’ve done both Kenyon and SUNHOUSE and both were absolutely amazing. If you’re just starting out with writing, Kenyon is definitely the place to be because of the generative workshops where you can get started. SUNHOUSE is an amazing mentorship opportunity similar to Adroit, where you get to work with these absolutely amazing writers (some of them also mentor in Adroit)! I would say that these two programs brought my writing to a whole different level, simply because you get so many reading reccomendations, you’re introduced to writing friends, et cetera. Having those people to help you read pieces as you go forward from the workshops is definitely one of the biggest benefits to attending these. PM me if you want more specific answers to your questions!