Writers' Workshop
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I haven't written anything?
Duke Writers Workshop faculty members can still remember the days when they had not written anything, and they are honest enough to admit the dreadful insecurity about writing that dogs us all. If you are just starting out, we are glad to help recommend a workshop section that will be most helpful to you. We know that writing takes time and courage. Everybody has to start somewhere. We aim to present you with some tools. We especially welcome beginners. No apologies allowed.
Can I attend without staying on site?
Because Wildacres is rather remote, it is not recommended that you commute to the workshop. Participants tell us that being a part of the whole experience and staying on site is generally preferable. However, we will review commuter requests on a case by case basis if you live close by. Contact the director by e-mail.
Do I sign up for just one class?
Yes. Choose the section of the workshop that best fits the kind of writing you are doing or hope to do, or choose the instructor that sounds right to you. Each day you'll meet with your small group for three hours. In that time, there will be some lecture, discussion, reading, and exercises. In the afternoons and evenings we meet as a whole group for special presentations from the faculty, so before we're done, you'll have the benefit of everyone's expertise and encouragement. If you need help choosing a class, please e-mail the director.
How big will my class be and where will we meet?
Because of the value we place on working with each participant at the Duke workshop while also encouraging peer connections, no instructor will generally have fewer than six students nor more than 12. Workshop groups will be assigned classroom spaces according to the size of the group. If you have special needs in terms of mobility, please let us know since it might affect where we put your class in relation to the large group sessions.
Can I arrange a conference with my instructor?
Instead of private conferences, most instructors are offering each participant a chance to receive an advance reading of a certain number of manuscript pages which varies by instructor. He or she will offer written comments on the manuscript itself and a page or two overview of the manuscript as long as it is submitted in advance of the workshop according to the deadline set by your instructor. There will also be informal opportunities for you to ask clarifying questions in class, at mealtimes, and during whole group sessions. Additional manuscript pages may also be reviewed in class, but you will not be assigned pages of your peers' work to read as "homework" during the workshop.
All I want to know is if I have any writing talent.
Every writer -- beginning or widely published -- wonders if he or she really has the capacity to fill another blank page with worthwhile words. We believe in perseverance and the willingness to keep learning all you can, no matter how much or how little you've written. At the Duke Workshop, you are responsible for your own learning. Our job is to create a safe environment where you can study and share your work with people to whom the effort matters.
May I bring someone?
Yes, you can bring someone who does not want to participate in the classroom work but would like to share a room with you and enjoy all meals, faculty presentations, and receptions. Your guest is welcome to attend whole group meetings. Your roommate may register for an additional $250 (and as a full participant you pay the standard double room tuition rate of $595). Sorry, no pets or children.
What if I have to cancel?
Because of the commitment we must make to the retreat facility for your space and meals and the expense involved in processing your registration, the $200 deposit required per person (whether you are a participant or the guest of a participant) is not refundable. However, you have until August 29 to pay the balance of your tuition, which is fully refundable up to that date (except for the $200 deposit.) Sometimes we have to cancel a workshop section because of under-enrollment. (Our minimum is six participants per instructor.) In that case, you are invited to choose another instructor or we will refund you the $200 deposit in full. Notice of such cancellations will be made no later than the September deadline when all balances due.
Can my family easily reach me?
Wildacres has someone staffing the phone from 7 am until about 10 pm each night. Persons needing to reach you may call the front desk, and messages will be given out at breaks. In case of emergency, we'll make every effort to find you immediately. Because the Duke Writers' Workshop is designed as a chance for you to give yourself full permission to focus on your writing away from the pressures of work and home, we recommend that you take full advantage of this retreat setting and minimize contact with "the real world."