If you don’t want to pursue a MFA in creative writing, but still want the advantages of a creative writing workshop environment, there are some more affordable options out there.

Many of the universities offer continuing education courses and generally they meet up once per week in the evening for a couple of hours. For instance, I attended Emory Continuing Education and received a Creative Writing Certification prior to going full throttle and breaking the bank on my MFA. You are not required to take all of the courses, so if you are not interested in pursuing the certification you can take a single course. Do note that some courses are required to be taken in sequence. Check prices and times on website.

Sometimes local bookshops offer creative writing workshops. The Fox Tale Book Shoppe in Woodstock, GA is currently offering an eight week creative writing workshop for $145. If you are unfamiliar with the dynamics of workshopping your pieces and/or have limited time, maybe the creative writing boot camp on September 14th from 1-4 is more up your alley. Three hours for $60. Email for details and to RSVP. 

Decatur Writers Studio offers very specific courses from character development, writing academically, how to publish, perfecting your details/sensory writing; personal essay; non-fiction; and how to think like an editor. Most of the classes are typically around $85, but some of the more intense workshops are $350.

Last by not least, part of the membership benefits of joining Atlanta Writers Club are the writing critique workshops. Membership costs $50 annually and the workshops are free. You just need to find one that fits your genre and location.

Please do check the details of each workshop option above. If you are completely new to the workshopping, it can be a little intimidating exposing yourself to a new group, but my experience both academically and in small private groups is that you need feedback from a body of your peers. It’s worth the initial terror!

I will leave you with these wise words from Maya Angelou: “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

Happy Writing!