Workshop professor with students at Barat House workshop

Summer Writers' Week 2025

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, panel discussions 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 Jane Carr (Creative Nonfiction), August Thompson (Fiction), Jennifer Franklin (Poetry), and Nick Ordway (Screenwriting).

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 $46.50 per night. 

 

Featured Workshops

This year, Summer Writers’ Week will feature the following workshops: 
Jane Carr headshot
Jane Carr

Former Ideas Editor, CNN Opinion

 

August Thompson
August Thompson

Author of Anyone's Ghost

Jennifer Franklin
Jennifer Franklin

Author of If Some God Shakes Your House

 

Nick Ordway
Nick Ordway

Assistant Director, God of Love

female student sitting under tree

Your Seat Awaits You

Register soon. Seats fill quickly

 

 

 

Cost and Accommodations

 

  • Creative Nonfiction with Jane Carr (June 23-27), $600 
  • Fiction with August Thompson (June 23-27), $600
  • Poetry with Jennifer Franklin (June 23-227), $600 
  • Screenwriting with Nick Ordway (June 23-27), $600

Housing (optional): 

  • Monday, June 23, $46.50 
  • Tuesday, June 24, $46.50 
  • Wednesday, June 25, $46.50
  • Thursday, June 26, $46.50 

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