GrouP Courses
Interested in enrolling in a course or want more information?
Connect with Alissa now.
Connect with Alissa now.
Alissa teaches a variety of creative writing and literature classes throughout he calendar year, including a popular and longstanding Writer's Workshop. Space in classes is limited, and some courses are available through referral/pre-approval only. Classes are synchronous and hosted online. Some in-person offerings will become available in future.
Check back regularly for course schedules, descriptions and registration information.
Check back regularly for course schedules, descriptions and registration information.
Current Course Offerings
THE WRITER'S WORKSHOP
The Writer’s Workshop is a longstanding and popular virtual group writing and critique course. We have a core group of writers who join each term, and we welcome new students when we have openings.
The primary work of the course is the workshop process itself: feedback and discussion of student writing, guided by Alissa in a fun, supportive and collaborative literary environment. This process is designed to help you achieve your writing goals, further refine and improve your work, and to have fun. You’ll share your writing with classmates, read their work, and engage with a community of compassionate, craft-smart and supportive writers. We’ll address craft issues, discuss technique and complete in-class exercises along the way to aid your learning.
The workshop is fully inclusive, and welcomes poets and prose writers of all genres, all experience levels, and at any stage of the writing process. Workshoppers are expected to read and respond to manuscripts each week outside of class, and to maintain deadlines throughout the term. Please come to class prepared to share a portion of your current writing project.
Enrollment requires pre-approval; please contact Alissa directly here to reserve your space during an upcoming session.
****Currently, enrollment for the Writer’s Workshop is closed.
The next session of the Workshop is tentatively scheduled for Spring 2025.
The Writer’s Workshop is a longstanding and popular virtual group writing and critique course. We have a core group of writers who join each term, and we welcome new students when we have openings.
The primary work of the course is the workshop process itself: feedback and discussion of student writing, guided by Alissa in a fun, supportive and collaborative literary environment. This process is designed to help you achieve your writing goals, further refine and improve your work, and to have fun. You’ll share your writing with classmates, read their work, and engage with a community of compassionate, craft-smart and supportive writers. We’ll address craft issues, discuss technique and complete in-class exercises along the way to aid your learning.
The workshop is fully inclusive, and welcomes poets and prose writers of all genres, all experience levels, and at any stage of the writing process. Workshoppers are expected to read and respond to manuscripts each week outside of class, and to maintain deadlines throughout the term. Please come to class prepared to share a portion of your current writing project.
Enrollment requires pre-approval; please contact Alissa directly here to reserve your space during an upcoming session.
****Currently, enrollment for the Writer’s Workshop is closed.
The next session of the Workshop is tentatively scheduled for Spring 2025.
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When I walked into my first writing class after retiring, I felt nervous about how my short story might be received, and how I would handle the criticism. But I was very lucky to have chosen Alissa’s writing workshop. Not only is she a great writing teacher but the best workshop leader I have ever had. Alissa spends more time on the importance of how to present and receive helpful constructive feedback than any other writing teacher I’ve studied with. Alissa starts with a round of positive comments from each person in the group, and works to give everyone a voice in the subsequent discussion. She guides us in keeping the person and their experiences separate from the work which has been important for me in writing about sensitive topics. She also teaches us how to give useful feedback, not just “I like this” or “I hate this” but why we like or can’t connect with the work. Learning this skill has helped make my own writing better. Her critiques of my work have been extensive and encouraging both in the positive feedback and what she thinks can be improved.
—Carolyn B.
poetry/fiction/nonfiction
poetry/fiction/nonfiction
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I am nearing completion of a book length project and could not have reached this point without the sage advice, wise counsel, and encouragement of Alissa Butterworth. Through her Writer's Workshops and one-on-one summer manuscript consultations, she provides invaluable guidance to help an author become the best writer possible. Alissa is an incredible teacher, mentor and editor, and I feel fortunate to be part of her supportive writing community.
—Ann W.
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nonfiction
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Alissa Butterworth is a highly gifted editor and writing teacher. She has helped me and countless
other writers hone our craft with detailed feedback, finesse, and patience. Alissa perfectly
balances constructive criticism with creative encouragement. I cannot praise her enough. If I
had any reservations about Alissa’s enjoyable and inspiring writers’ workshops, it would be that
occasionally she is too kind.
other writers hone our craft with detailed feedback, finesse, and patience. Alissa perfectly
balances constructive criticism with creative encouragement. I cannot praise her enough. If I
had any reservations about Alissa’s enjoyable and inspiring writers’ workshops, it would be that
occasionally she is too kind.
—Muriel F.
poetry/fiction/nonfiction
poetry/fiction/nonfiction
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