Workshop professor with students at Barat House workshop

Summer Writers' Week

Each year, Summer Writers’ Week gathers writers looking to jumpstart a summer of writing by taking an intensive week of workshops and craft classes.

Retreat participants end up forming a close-knit community, one that welcomes back previous attendees and new writers alike.   

Summer Writers’ Week takes place in Manhattanville’s Center for Design Technology, historic Reid Castle, or Barat House, the University’s Creative Writing Center. Participants spend each morning in a genre-specific workshop taught by an established writer with a wealth of teaching experience. Afternoons feature craft classes, an editors' panel, or readings from workshop faculty. The event ends on Friday afternoon with a BBQ on the lawn outside Barat House.

This summer our genre workshops will be run by Rahla Xenopoulos (Creative Nonfiction), Lauren Acampora (Fiction), Jared Harel (Poetry), and Dr. Amy Bass (Writing Sport). 

The registration fee is $600 for members of the public. Undergraduate students as well as new and current Manhattanville MFA students may earn academic credit for their participation in the retreat.  On-campus housing is available for $200 for the week. 

 

Featured Workshops

This year, Summer Writers’ Week will feature the following workshops: 
Rahla Xenopoulos headshot
Rahla Xenopoulos

Author of A Memoir of Love and Madness
Lauren Acampora with brown hair and tanktop smiling softly
Lauren Acampora

Author of The Animal Room

Jared Harel with blonde hair and big smile
Jared Harel

Author of Let Our Bodies Change the Subject

 

Dr. Amy Bass smiling softly
Dr. Amy Bass

Author of One Goal

Authors seated at table with wood paneling behind
Editors' Panel

Editors discuss the latest trends in publishing!

female student sitting under tree
Limited workshop spots available.  

Email mfa@mville.edu with questions.

 

Cost and Accommodations

 

  • Creative Nonfiction with Rahla Xenopoulos (June 22-26), $600 
  • Fiction with Lauren Acampora (June 22-26), $600 
  • Poetry with Jared Harel (June 22-26), $600 
  • Writing Sport with Dr. Amy Bass (June 22-26), $600 

  • 4 nights, 5 days: $200

Sample Daily Agenda

  • Workshop, 9:30-12:30
  • Lunch, 12:45-1:45
  • Craft Session, 2:00-3:45
  • Faculty Reading, 4:00-5:00

MFA in Creative Writing Upcoming Events

About Manhattanville University’s MFA in Creative Writing Program 

Manhattanville University offers a 36-credit Master of Fine Arts for writers and aspiring writers.  Beyond simply being a degree program, however, Manhattanville MFA is a space where dedicated writers gather to hone their craft and build a creative community together.  Find more information about the program or begin the application process. 

Interested in joining our community of aspiring writers? 

  • Iain Haley Pollock Director, MFA Program Manhattanville University

    mfa@mville.edu

    914.323.7211

    Barat House, 2