THE INSTITUTE

THE INSTITUTE

FACULTY

ADMISSION & SCHOLARSHIPS

READING SCHEDULE

TESTIMONIALS

THE INSTITUTE FOR YOUNG WRITERS

CONTACT

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"One week at Juniper equals years of knowledge about writing."
—'08 participant

Every summer, the Juniper Institute gathers together a community of writers dedicated to exploring the creative process and advancing their craft.

Workshops

At the heart of the Institute are intensive workshops in poetry, fiction, and fiction/memoir. Working closely with faculty and a core group of peer writers, participants generate new work and revise work in progress. Enrollment in each workshop is limited so that every writer has ample opportunity to present his or her work.

Each Day

Interactive craft sessions and Q&As provide contexts for faculty and writers in residence to discuss issues pertinent to writing and the writing life, or to lead participants in writing exercises. Common meals and open-mic readings provide further occasions for conversation and exchange. Evenings feature readings by acclaimed faculty and writers in residence. The daily schedule also includes free time for writing, relaxing, and enjoying the many charms of the Pioneer Valley.

Housing

Institute tuition does not include accommodations. Participants may choose the housing option that best suits their needs. Upon acceptance, applicants receive information about a range of convenient options, including suite-style university dorm rooms, area inns, B&Bs, and hotels.

"For me it’s always been a place to grow, feel safe and at home.  This year again I walk away with a better, clearer sense, stronger, inspired."  —'08 participant

Location

New England’s literary history is profound. Art, music, theater, dance, and natural beauty abound in the region. Amherst and Northampton offer a wealth of museums, libraries, special collections and archives, independent bookstores, cinemas, music, and restaurants. The neighboring Berkshires are home to world-renowned dance, theater, and music.

Admission

The Juniper Institute welcomes writers of diverse life experiences and writing styles. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Workshops fill quickly, so early application is recommended.

Scholarships

The Institute awards several work-study scholarships and scholarship grants on the basis of need and merit. Scholarship applications must be postmarked by April 1, 2009.

Tuition

Tuition of $1,100 includes all Institute activities, daily lunch, and welcome and farewell dinners. Academic credit and Continuing Education Units are available. Individuals may audit the Institute for a fee of $300, which includes craft sessions and evening readings only.

Manuscript Consultation

All participants receive detailed attention to their writing in workshop. However, for those interested in private feedback on a longer selection, a limited number of manuscript consultations with Institute faculty and writers in residence are available for a fee of $150.

"My favorite part of the week was my manuscript consultation—very thorough, specific, kind with comments, insights and criticisms; very helpful to my writing."  —'08 participant