Writers Workshop for Middle School

In this course, you’ll join a community of students who are passionate about creative writing. Your instructor will guide you through techniques to harness your imagination and strengthen your writing in a range of genres, including short fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction — or you can focus on just one or two of these genres if you prefer. You’ll generate new ideas, draft original work and revise both individually and as a part of a group. We’ll spend class time working on writing prompts, discussing selected texts and completing a final draft of a dazzling new piece of work. Our last session will feature a celebratory showcase of your creations.

What You’ll Learn

How to read like a writer
Strategies for harnessing your imagination, sense of humor and individual charm to produce creative work in your own voice
How to provide and receive constructive feedback
Editing tips to help you effectively revise your writing
How to cultivate creative habits of mind, such as critical thinking, reflection, courage, risk-taking and persistence

Who Should Register

This course is for sixth to eighth graders who are passionate about creative writing and interested in developing their voice. It’s not for those who need remedial writing help, and all students should have a high level of English language proficiency.

More Information

The online course is taught using Zoom and Google Sites. Classes meet in real time and are not recorded. To participate, you should have access to a computer with a high-speed internet connection and a headset and webcam. 

The in-person course is taught on the UW Seattle campus. We recommend bringing a laptop to class if you have one.

There’s a nonrefundable $50 registration fee each quarter you register. See the FAQs page for details about registration, refunds, waitlists and more.

Details

Mar 31–May 28, 2026 Spring	Day Tue, Thu	Time 6 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
	Location Online (Zoom)	Cost $700
	Instructor Lisa Muschinski	Register

Jun 29–Jul 10, 2026 1A no class on July 3	Day Mon–Fri	Time 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
	Location UW Seattle	Cost $700
	Instructor Julie Olsen	Register

Jul 13–Jul 24, 2026 2B	Day Mon–Fri	Time 1 p.m.–4 p.m.
	Location UW Seattle	Cost $780
	Instructor Lisa Muschinski	Register

Jul 27–Aug 7, 2026 3B	Day Mon–Fri	Time 1 p.m.–4 p.m.
	Location UW Seattle	Cost $780
	Instructor Jennie Baker	Register