Join Us for Summer!
The Center offers a 4-week asynchronous writers’ workshop in two summer sessions. Open to all students in grades 5–8, this flexible online course brings together passionate creative writers from across Wisconsin to develop their skills, share ideas, and work on a writing project of their choice.
The Center’s Summer Writers’ Workshop provides a flexible online opportunity for students in grades 5–8 to explore creative writing, develop a passion project, and receive individualized feedback from an experienced instructor. Students connect with fellow writers from across Wisconsin while building confidence and growing their skills in a supportive environment.
Writers’ Workshop | Crafting Your Passion Project
Love making up stories? In this 4-week online Writers’ Workshop, you’ll get to do just that! You can keep working on a story you’ve already started or create a brand-new one from scratch. Any genre is welcome: fan fiction, fantasy, dystopia, graphic novel… pick and write your favorite! Along the way, your instructor will help you organize your ideas, build your plot, and make your story stronger while giving you helpful, encouraging feedback as you write. Each week, you’ll also explore a fun question that helps you think more deeply about how writers make choices. This class is all about sharing ideas, supporting each other, and discovering just how exciting writing can be.
Session 1: June 15-July 17
Register by June 8
**No class June 29-July 5
Session 2: July 20-August 14
Register by July 13
$125 per session
What Students Have to Say About Center Programming
“This course was a blast! I had so much fun and it was definitely a highlight of my day.”
— 8th Grade Student
Frequently Asked Questions | Summer
Who can participate in the Summer Writers’ Workshop?
The Summer Writers’ Workshop is open to students in grades 5–8 who enjoy writing and are interested in developing a creative project. Whether students are beginning a new story or continuing one they have already started, all enthusiastic writers are welcome.
Do students need to attend at specific times?
No. The Writers’ Workshop is offered in an online, asynchronous format, allowing students to complete coursework and participate in discussions on their own schedules throughout each week.
What kinds of writing projects can students create?
Students may continue a project they have already started or begin a new one. All genres are welcome, including fantasy, science fiction, dystopian fiction, fan fiction, graphic novels, realistic fiction, and more.
How much time should students expect to spend on the course each week?
Time commitments vary depending on the student’s project and writing goals, but students should plan to engage regularly with course activities, writing, and feedback throughout the four-week session.
Will students receive feedback on their writing?
Yes. Instructors provide individualized feedback throughout the course to help students strengthen their writing, develop their ideas, and make progress toward their goals.
What kinds of projects do students create?
Projects vary based on the mission and student interests. Depending on the course, students may create presentations, blogs, stories, graphic narratives, research products, multimedia projects, or other creative demonstrations of learning.
What does a typical week look like?
Each week, students participate in a discussion and work on their writing project. Discussion forums invite students to think like writers by exploring questions such as: What is your favorite literary genre? How does form impact a story? How do writers convey the heart of a story? When is a story ready to share?
Students then apply those ideas to their own projects through weekly writing assignments, peer feedback, and individualized guidance from their instructor. Throughout the workshop, students have opportunities to share their work, support fellow writers, and refine their writing through feedback and revision.
Ready to Start Writing?
Spend your summer creating, sharing ideas, and growing as a writer alongside peers from across Wisconsin.